Sunday People columnist Jimmy Greaves is on the mend after suffering a severe stroke.

In news that will delight football fans the England legend has been discharged from hospital and is now set to spend the next six weeks recovering at a rest home before finally returning home.

Jimmy, 75, who played for England, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur in a glittering career, is feeling much better and has now regained his speech after spending weeks communicating with doctors and his wife Irene by writing on a pad.

His manager Terry Baker told the Sunday People : “Jimmy came out of hospital last week and, while we know it is going to be a long haul, there is cause for optimism.

“The outlook is much better than it was a few weeks ago. He has gone into a long-term rehab home.

“His family would like to thank everyone at Broomfield Hospital in Essex for the care they have shown Jimmy.”

England legend: Jimmy Greaves playing for his country (Image: EMPICS)

The star, who also played for AC Milan and West Ham, was rushed to an intensive care unit fighting for his life on May 3 after collapsing at home.

More than 100,000 messages of support have poured in for the much-loved star, including from close pal Ian St John, who has been on the phone to him on a regular basis.

Others to get in touch have included Tottenham fan Phil Collins and his 1966 World Cup winning team-mates Sir Geoff Hurst, Roger Hunt and George Cohen.

One touching message of support came from a woman who explained how Jimmy attended the funeral of her 15-year-old son.

On mend: The former Spurs forward is recovering from a severe stroke (Image: Action Images)

She wrote: “I am so pleased that Jimmy is improving. Not only was he a great footballing legend, he is also a great man.

“I met Jimmy many years ago, when he attended my 15 year old sons funeral. Through a mutual friend, who knew I, like so many, truly admired Jimmy, the friend arranged for Jimmy to attend.

“I knew how difficult is was for Jimmy to go into a pub, nevertheless he came, with a very large bouquet of flowers, and brought so much joy into a very sad occasion.

“This was such a wonderful gesture and a true testament to the Great man. I hope Jimmy continues to improve, and although he probably would not remember me, please pass on my very best wishes to him.”

Essex-born Greaves, who also suffered a minor stroke in 2012, is widely regarded as one of the game’s greatest strikers.

He is England’s fourth highest goal scorer with 44 in 57 games.

He netted 266 times in 379 games for Spurs and went on to present Saturday lunchtime football show Saint and Greavsie with former Liverpool star Ian St John.